Holding device for socks

ABSTRACT

A holding device for socks, includes a flexible, particularly elastic, and essentially strip-shaped body, which can be inserted into the heel region of a shoe in such a way that the body rests against the heel of a foot located in the shoe at least in a lateral region of the foot and is supported on an inner sole and/or insole of the shoe, wherein the sock of the shoe wearer can be separably connected or is permanently connected to the body, particularly in an upper edge region of the body, or that the body is integrated into the sock in such a way that slipping of the sock off the heel of the foot within the shoe is restricted, wherein the body is in the worn state arranged entirely within the shoe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a national stage of International Application No. PCT/EP2020/067953, filed on Jun. 25, 2020, which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102019119983.2 filed on Jul. 24, 2019 and German Patent Application No. 102019128701.4, filed on Oct. 24, 2019, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The present invention pertains to a holding device for socks, as well as to a sock that is designed for being separably fastened on such a holding device or is permanently connected to the holding device or permanently integrates the holding device.

PRIOR ART

Until now, stockings or socks usually are prevented from slipping down on the leg/foot of the wearer while they are worn by their customary anatomical shape, by elastic material or by elastic bands that are sewn into or applied onto the sock. It is also known to use suspender belts that comprise an elastic band, which is fastened on the leg of the wearer on the one hand and on the stocking or sock on the other hand, in order to hold the stocking or the sock on the leg. However, such suspender belts have to be fastened around the leg of the wearer in a sufficiently firm manner, which is frequently perceived as uncomfortable by the wearer. In addition, suspender belts typically are only suitable for knee socks and the suspender belt is in the worn state visible from outside above the shoe.

The above-described measures are primarily aimed at holding the sock on the leg in a crease-free and tensioned manner, but not at explicitly preventing the sock from slipping over the heel.

It is furthermore known to use non-slip or slip-resistant inserts, e.g. of silicone. The silicone inserts are incorporated into the inner side of the heel of the stocking. However, the stocking is not reliably prevented from slipping down if the adherence between the skin and the silicon strip is reduced by moisture, e.g. due to sweat or creams.

For example, GB 154,987 discloses a sock holder that is worn in the sock and has one or more a button and loop fasteners. The sock holder extends along the leg of the wearer.

Furthermore, JPS 59-76502 discloses a sock holder that is fastened on the sock on the one hand and fastened on the heel region of the shoe on the outer side on the other hand.

The disadvantages of solutions known from the prior art can be seen in that the suspender belts are visible from outside when clothing that exposes the ankle is worn, and that said solutions frequently are designed for long socks with long leg sections, wherein no reliable solutions, which prevent the sock from slipping in the shoe and at the same time are not visible from outside above the shoe, exist for short socks that have a short leg section or no leg section at all and are designed, for example, for being worn in athletic shoes such as sneakers.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION: OBJECTIVE, SOLUTION, ADVANTAGES

The present invention is based on the objective of making available a holding device for socks that reliably restricts slipping of the sock over the heel, particularly a sock with short leg section or no leg section or alternatively a sock with long leg section, wherein the holding device essentially is not visible from outside and therefore not visually objectionable in the worn state in the shoe.

This objective is attained with a holding device for socks that has a flexible and essentially strip-shaped body, which nestles around the heel of the foot and can be inserted into the heel region of a shoe such that the body rests against the heel of a foot located in the shoe at least in a lateral region of the foot and is supported on an inner sole and/or insole of the shoe.

A sock of the shoe wearer can be separably connected or is permanently connected to the body, particularly in an upper edge region of the body, in such a way that slipping of the sock within the shoe, particularly rolling of the sock off the heel, is restricted, preferably prevented, wherein the body is in the worn state arranged entirely within the shoe. Alternatively, the body is integrated into the sock in such a way that slipping of the sock within the shoe, particularly rolling of the sock off the heel, is restricted, wherein the body is in the worn state arranged entirely within the shoe.

The application of the holding device is realized by putting on the sock and, if the holding device is not permanently connected to or integrated into the sock, subsequently nestling the holding device around the heel and fastening the holding device on the sock, as well as by ultimately stepping into the shoe. The insertion of the holding device therefore takes place while the holding device is already arranged on the stock or on the foot, respectively.

If the holding device and the sock are two units, the holding device is alternatively nestled into the shoe. The user subsequently steps into the shoe while wearing the sock. The holding device then connects to the fastening element (e.g. Velcro).

A width of the strip-shaped body is chosen in such a way that the width is not greater than the height of the shoe viewed from the inner sole of the shoe up to the opening edge of the shoe and the body therefore is not visible from outside.

The body is supported on the inner sole of the shoe on at least three points of the body. One supporting point is respectively arranged on the end regions of the body such that the body is supported on the inner sole in both opposite regions laterally of the foot and vertical slipping of the body is restricted when the sock with the holding device worn on the foot is located in the shoe. A third supporting point is arranged centrally between the two end regions such that the body is in the worn state supported on the inner sole in the region of the heel of the foot and horizontal slipping of the body is restricted by the foot.

The body is made of a flexible material such that it adapts to the shape of the foot in its heel region and the holding device can be comfortably worn on different foot shapes. This flexibility also prevents chafing of the holding device on the foot. However, the body is at the same time sufficiently rigid for being supported on the inner sole when the sock is fastened on the body and for thereby preventing the body from folding over or slipping in the shoe.

The body is realized in an essentially strip-shaped manner, wherein the flat regions of the body rest against the foot in the worn state. In this case, a lower edge of the body rests at least partially on the inner sole and a sock is permanently or separably connected to the body in the region of an upper edge such that slipping of the sock in the shoe, particularly slipping down of the sock off the heel, is restricted. The body essentially has the shape of a strip, which means that recesses may be additionally provided, in particular, in the longitudinal edges of the strip.

When the foot slightly moves out of the shoe during a walking motion, the sock remains in position due to friction on the shoe and therefore slightly moves downward on the heel of the foot. When the shoe contacts the ground again, however, the sock is once again pushed into the original correct position because the body is supported on the inner sole while the foot moves back in the direction of the inner sole. The sock is thereby raised again because the body and the stocking are connected.

The term inner region of the shoe refers to the region of the shoe that is delimited by an inlet opening for the foot.

The inventive holding device preferably is suitable for short socks that have a short leg section or no leg section at all. Socks of this type typically are not visible or only barely visible from outside when they are worn. Accordingly, a holding device, which likewise is not visible or at least only barely visible from outside, is particularly advantageous for such a sock. However, the inventive holding device basically is suitable for any type of stocking or sock with long or short leg section. Alternatively, the holding device preferably is also used on socks that have a long leg section. In this case, the holding device may have a greater height (e.g. hand's width height with cutout for the ankle). Slipping of stockings over the heel and bunching up in the sole region are very realistic, particularly in rubber boots, but also, e.g., in hiking boots or ski boots.

According to a preferred embodiment, the body can be separably fastened on the sock by means of a fastening device. The fastening device preferably is arranged in the upper edge region of the body. It is particularly preferred to provide two fastening devices, wherein one respective fastening device is arranged in the end regions of the essentially strip-shaped body such that the fastening devices are located in the respective lateral region of the foot when the holding device is inserted into the shoe together with the sock and the foot.

The body preferably has an upper edge and a lower edge referred to the state, in which the body is inserted into the shoe, wherein the lower edge can rest on the inner sole of the shoe at least partially, preferably in its entirety.

The fastening device preferably comprises at least one body-side fastening element that is arranged on the body, wherein the fastening device preferably comprises at least one sock-side fastening element that is arranged on the sock, and wherein the at least one body-side fastening element can be fixed on or is permanently connected to the at least one sock-side fastening element or is integrated into the sock, respectively.

The body-side fastening element preferably is arranged in the upper edge region of the body. The sock-side fastening element is arranged on the sock in such a way that the sock-side fastening element lies opposite of the body-side fastening element and the two fastening elements can be connected to one another in order to hold the sock in the shoe in an essentially fixed position relative to the holding device and to prevent the sock from respectively slipping or rolling off the heel. In this context, it is possible that the sock slightly slips down on the heel during a running motion when the foot slightly moves out of the shoe or lifts off the sole while running. However, the holding device ensures that the sock once again reaches its original position on the foot when the shoe contacts the ground again.

The at least one body-side fastening element and the at least one sock-side fastening element respectively have contact surfaces that at least sectionally contact one another in order to fasten the two fastening elements on one another. The contact surface of the sock-side fastening element preferably is larger than the contact surface of the body-side fastening element. Alternatively, the contact surface of the body-side fastening element preferably can be larger than the contact surface of the sock-side fastening element. Since one of the two contact surfaces is larger, the positioning of one contact surface on the other contact surface is simplified and a certain flexibility with respect to different foot anatomies is realized.

The two fastening elements preferably have a respective length, wherein the body-side fastening element is longer than the sock-side fastening element. Alternatively, the sock-side fastening element preferably can be longer than the body-side fastening element.

The two fastening elements preferably are realized in a flat and/or strip-shaped and/or circular and/or triangular and/or flexible and/or elastic manner.

The fastening device preferably comprises a Velcro connection, wherein the at least one body-side fastening element comprises at least one first Velcro element, and wherein the at least one sock-side fastening element comprises a second Velcro element that can be connected to the first Velcro element. The Velcro connection advantageously makes it possible to fasten the sock on the body in a particularly simple manner. Due to the flexibility of the Velcro elements, the fastening elements are not bothersome while the holding device is worn and the comfort is not negatively affected by the holding device.

It would be conceivable to provide other connecting mechanisms for fastening the sock on the body, e.g. a connection by means of (snap) buttons or hooks, alternatively or additionally to the Velcro connection.

The sock preferably can be fixed on the body by folding the upper sock edge over an edge of the body that faces away from the inner sole of the shoe. The fastening of the sock by means of folding may be realized alternatively or additionally to the fastening by means of the fastening device. The sock folded over the edge of the body preferably can be additionally fixed on the edge, e.g. by means of a clamping mechanism.

In order to fasten the sock on the body, the upper edge of the body, over which the sock is folded, preferably can be provided with tabs and/or projections that are formed, for example, by recesses in the upper edge of the body. Furthermore, the sock edge of the sock preferably can have pockets, into which the tabs on the upper edge of the body are placed in order to fasten the sock on the body.

The sock preferably can be realized with pockets or loops, on which the body is supported on the sock and thereby holds the sock in position.

A permanent connection between the body and the sock preferably is produced, e.g. by means of a seam or a bonded joint or by means of an incorporation into the sock fabric.

The size of the body preferably can vary in dependence on the shoe size, for which the holding device is intended. For example, the length of the body may vary in dependence on the shoe size. Due to its simple structure and holding principle, however, a holding device with a fixed size can also be used for a broad range of shoe sizes.

The size of the body preferably can vary in dependence on the sock model, for which the holding device is intended, e.g. socks for a gym shoes, for sneakers, for high heels, for ballet flats or for boots of all sorts.

The body preferably has a recess that is arranged in the center of the body referred to its longitudinal extent. The recess preferably is realized in the form of a depression along the upper edge of the body referred to the worn state such that the width of the body is reduced in the region of the recess. This recess in the body advantageously prevents chafing of the body on the foot in the heel region.

The recess preferably extends along the upper edge of the body from a first end region of the body to a second end region of the body, particularly up to a respective point on the respective end regions, at which the fastening device associated with the respective end region is arranged.

The body preferably comprises a plastic material, particularly a PP or PE or PET material, and/or a biodegradable material, particularly a bamboo, palm leaf, sugar cane, maize or PLA material. The material of the body is chosen in such a way that the body is on the one hand flexible in order to optimally adapt to different foot shapes and on the other hand sufficiently rigid for being adequately supported on the inner sole of the shoe in order to prevent the sock from slipping down. The body preferably can have a soft coating in order to additionally enhance the wearing comfort.

The body preferably is realized in such a way that its surface has an increased coefficient of friction upon contact with the surrounding materials, particularly with the sock and/or with the foot. The body specifically is realized in such a way that the coefficient of friction of the body in the worn state between body and sock at least corresponds to the coefficient of friction of the pairing sock-shoe and/or skin-shoe. The coefficient of friction of the body in the worn state between body and sock preferably at least corresponds to the coefficient of friction of the pairing sock-shoe and/or skin-shoe. The coefficient of friction of the body in the worn state between body and sock particularly is increased by 30%, preferably by 70%, especially by 100%, in comparison with the coefficient of friction of the pairing sock-shoe and skin-shoe.

To this end, the surface of the body preferably is treated, particularly by means of a roughening process and/or by producing a structure such as fine barbs in the surface of the body.

Furthermore, a rubber coating preferably can be applied onto the body. In addition, the surface of the body may be realized in the form of a so-called “soft touch” surface, i.e. a coating, particularly of plastic, is applied onto the surface and renders the surface soft and/or slightly adherent in order to increase the coefficient of friction.

Furthermore, friction-enhancing lacquers preferably can be applied onto the surface of the body. According to another advantageous embodiment, it is proposed to apply textiles onto the body.

The above-described surface treatments and surface coatings preferably can be realized either on the entire surface of the body or only on a partial region or multiple partial regions of the body surface. The portion of the body surface realized with a corresponding surface treatment and/or surface coating particularly is sufficiently large for achieving an adequate adherence between the holding device and the sock such that slipping of the sock off the heel is prevented or at least reduced.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the body consists entirely or partially of a material with high friction, e.g. of leather, cork or textile. Furthermore, materials of this type can be provided on the surface of a body consisting of a different material.

It is furthermore preferred that any combinations of the above-described measures for increasing the coefficient of friction between the body and the sock, particularly surface treatment, surface coating and choice of body material, basically can be realized. For example, partial regions of the body may undergo a surface treatment whereas other partial regions of the same body have a surface coating. Furthermore, different combinations of friction-enhancing materials are respectively possible in or on a body. Even a combination of partial regions of a material with enhanced friction and partial regions with a surface treatment and/or surface coating is advantageously conceivable.

The body preferably comprises or consists of a printable material.

The body preferably is realized colorfully. Furthermore, shades between white and black preferably are provided. This enhances the visual appeal of the body for the user. In addition, the holding device may be color-coded with respect to different design variations, e.g. with respect to the (shoe) size or the shape, such that the wearer can easily distinguish between different models of holding devices. The body preferably is realized transparently. It therefore acts universally inconspicuous for all sock colors.

The body preferably has at least one recess, particularly a plurality of recesses. The at least one recess may be a through-opening in the body or a recess on the edge of the body. The at least one recess improves the ventilation in the shoe and reduces an accumulation of heat and moisture.

In addition, the body preferably can be fastened on the shoe, e.g. on the shoelace, through a recess in order to secure the body against loss when it is not worn.

Multiple recesses preferably can be provided as long as a sufficient stability of the body with respect to its holding properties is still realized.

It is preferred to respectively provide at least one recess, particularly a through-opening, in the end regions of the body. The body preferably is realized in such a way that the body has three sections, which directly transition into one another, i.e. three directly adjacent sections. A first section and a second section are respectively formed by the two end regions of the body. It is preferred that the recess, particularly the through-opening, is respectively provided in these end regions.

A third section, particularly a central region of the body, is arranged between the two end regions and preferably connects the first and the second section or the end regions of the body to one another. The third section preferably has a smaller width than the respective end regions along a longitudinal extent of the body such that the third section forms a recess in the body. The third section preferably has a constant and a varying width along the longitudinal extent of the body.

This design advantageously makes it possible to realize the body in a particularly material-saving manner. In addition, the wearing comfort of the holding device is advantageously enhanced because the heel region of the holding device has on the one hand a narrow design and the formation of moisture in this region is on the other hand reduced.

The body-side fastening elements preferably are arranged in an upper edge region of the respective end regions of the body.

The body preferably is at least sectionally or entirely made of a material that is permeable to air and/or moisture and/or a moisture-regulating material. Inserts of a material that is permeable to air and/or moisture and/or a moisture-regulating material preferably can also be provided in the recesses.

The holding device preferably has a sole element that is connected to the body. The sole element advantageously increases the stability of the holding device. The sole element can cover the entire surface of the region of the inner sole, in which the holding device is arranged, i.e. preferably the region of the heel. The sole element preferably can be realized in the form of a mere strip that connects the two end regions of the strip-shaped body to one another.

The body preferably has at least one sole tab element that extends parallel to the shoe sole starting from a lower edge of the body, which in the worn state faces the shoe sole. The sole tab element preferably extends along the first and/or the second end region of the body, particularly in a continuous manner. It is preferred to arrange one respective sole tab element in the first and the second end region of the body.

The sole tab element preferably is arranged at an essentially right angle to the surface of the body, particularly the surface of the body in the end regions. The sole tab element preferably is realized integrally with the body and forms a region that is bent relative to the body. The width of the sole tab element preferably is significantly smaller than its longitudinal extent along the lower edge of the body.

The sole tab element advantageously makes it possible to reduce or prevent slipping of the body underneath the sole of the foot.

The holding device preferably can be connected to an insole that can be inserted into the shoe. To this end, the holding device preferably has a slot on the first and on the second end region, wherein said slot extends perpendicular to the lower edge and is open toward the bottom in the worn state of the holding device. These two slots make it possible to attach the holding device to a protruding edge of the insole and to thereby fix the holding device on this insole. The slots serve for positioning the body in portions behind the insole and in portions in front of the insole. In this way, the body can be supported on the insole such that the body is prevented from slipping down into the sole region.

It is preferred to respectively arrange the slots at a distance of 1 cm, preferably 1.2 cm, particularly 1.5 cm, from the respective ends of the body. Consequently, the two slots lie opposite of one another in the worn state of the holding device and are respectively arranged laterally on the foot such that the holding device is optimally held in the shoe.

The holding device preferably has a tab element that is fastened on the body, preferably in the upper edge region. The tab element preferably is realized in a printable manner. The tab element advantageously makes it possible to simplify the positioning of the holding device in the shoe. While the holding device is worn, the tab element can either be concealed within the shoe or worn such that it protrudes out of the shoe.

Messages, images, logos, drawings, jewelry such as rhinestones or luminous elements preferably can be applied onto or suspended from the tab element.

At least a few or all corners and/or edges of the body of the holding device preferably are realized in a rounded manner in order to enhance the wearing comfort of the holding device and to prevent chafing of the body on the foot and/or on the sock and/or on the shoe.

The invention furthermore pertains to a sock that is designed for being separably or permanently fastened on an above-described holding device, wherein the sock comprises the at least one second fastening element.

The body preferably is permanently connected to the sock, e.g. by means of a seam or a bonded joint or by means of an incorporation into the sock fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is described in greater detail below with reference to the figures. In these figures:

FIG. 1 shows a representation of the body of the holding device,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective representation of the body of the holding device in the bent state, in which it is adapted to the shape of a foot,

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional representation through a shoe in the form of a top view of the shoe, wherein a foot with a sock held by the holding device is arranged in the shoe,

FIG. 4 shows a lateral cross-sectional representation of the holding device in the worn state,

FIG. 5 shows a representation of another embodiment of the body of the holding device,

FIG. 6 shows a representation of the body in the worn state, in which it is arranged in the shoe,

FIG. 7a shows a representation of another embodiment of the body of the holding device, and

FIG. 7b shows another representation of the embodiment of the body of the holding device according to FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 1 shows a representation of the body (10) of the holding device (100). The body (10) essentially is realized in a strip-shaped manner and has a longitudinal extent (L), which extends along a length of the strip shape of the body (10). The holding device (100) has a fastening device (17), which is fastened on the body (10) in an upper edge region (16) of the body (10). The body (10) has two end regions (18 a, 18 c) and a central region (18 b), wherein the fastening device (17, 17 a) is respectively arranged in the end regions (18 a, 18 c). The fastening device (17, 17 a) comprises two body-side fastening elements (17 a), wherein one respective body-side fastening element (17 a) is arranged in one of the end regions (18 a, 18 c) of the body (10). The body-side fastening elements (17 a) make it possible to fasten the body (10) on sock-side fastening elements (17 a), which are arranged on the sock (15) and not illustrated in the figure.

The two end regions (18 a, 18 c) have a width (B1) that is greater than a width (B2) of the central region (18 b). Since the width (B2) is smaller than the width (B1), a recess (21) is formed in the central region (18 b). The recess (21) is in the worn state of the holding device (100) arranged in the heel region (11) of the foot (13) such that chafing of the upper edge region (16) is advantageously prevented while the holding device is worn.

At least the corners of the body (10), which are formed in the upper edge region (16) or border on the upper edge region (16), are realized in a rounded manner in order to additionally prevent chafing of the body (10) while the holding device (100) is worn.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective representation of the body (10) of the holding device (100) in a bent state, in which it is adapted to the shape of the foot (13) or the shape of the heel region (11) of the foot (13), respectively. In this state, the end regions (18 a, 18 c) of the body (10), as well as the body-side fastening elements (17 a), are arranged such that they lie opposite of one another. In the state illustrated in FIG. 2, the body (10) can be fastened on the sock (15) in its heel region (11).

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional representation through a shoe (12) in the form of a top view of the shoe (12), wherein a foot (13) with a sock (15) held by the holding device (100) is arranged in the shoe (12) such that slipping down of the sock (15) off the heel of the foot (13) is restricted.

The body (10) is fastened on the sock (15) by means of the fastening device (17). A body-side fastening element (17 a) is respectively arranged in the two end regions (18 a, 18 c) of the body (10), wherein the two body-side fastening elements (17 a) are respectively fastened on a sock-side fastening element (17 b). The body-side fastening elements (17 a) may be respectively realized, for example, in the form of a first Velcro element such as a hook band, wherein said body-side fastening elements are fastened on the sock-side fastening elements (17 b), which are respectively realized in the form of a second Velcro element such as a loop band, by means of a Velcro connection. Alternatively, the first Velcro element may also be realized in the form of a loop band and the second Velcro element may be realized in the form of a hook band.

The holding device (100) or the body (10) of the holding device (100) respectively has a U-shape in the worn state. Since the body (10) is made of a flexible material, particularly an elastic material, the body (10) advantageously can adapt itself to different foot shapes and the respective flexibility or elasticity of the body (10) prevents chafing of the body (10) on the foot of the wearer.

The body (10) rests and is supported on the inner sole (14) of the shoe (12) with its lower edge region (19). In this way, the body (10) of the holding device (100) is reliably held in its position on the foot such that the sock (15) fastened on the body (10) is prevented from slipping down off the heel of the foot (13) and into the front region of the shoe (12). In this case, the sock may in fact temporarily slip down on the foot or the heel together with the holding device when the foot slightly moves out of the shoe while running. However, the holding device ensures that the sock once again reaches its original position on the foot once the shoe contacts the ground again.

According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower edge region (19) is realized in such a way that the body (10) rests on the inner sole (14) of the shoe (12) with its entire lower edge. At least three supporting points are required in the lower edge region (19) in order to firmly hold the sock (13) in its position in the shoe (12), wherein one supporting point is respectively arranged in the end regions (18 a, 18 c) and an additional supporting point is arranged in the central region (18 b).

FIG. 4 shows a lateral cross-sectional representation of the holding device (100) in the worn state in a shoe (12). The holding device (100) is arranged in the heel region (11) of the foot (13) and encloses the heel in its entirety. The width of the holding device (100) or the body (10) is respectively chosen in such a way that the holding device (100) is arranged entirely in the interior of the shoe (12). This particularly means that the holding device (100) does not protrude beyond an upper edge (20) of the shoe (12). In this way, the holding device (100) is advantageously not perceived as visually objectionable.

The length and the width of the body (10) can be chosen in dependence on the shoe size. For example, the body (10) may have an overall length between 10 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 12 cm and 18 cm, particularly 15 cm, along its longitudinal extent (L).

For example, the two end regions (18 a, 18 c) may have a width B1 between 2 cm and 6 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm, particularly 4 cm, and the central region (18 b) may have a width B2 between 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm, preferably between 0.7 cm and 1.3 cm, particularly 1 cm. The width B1 amounts, for example, to between 15% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 26%, particularly 23%, of the overall length of the body (10). The width B2 amounts, for example, to between 14% and 42%, preferably between 20% and 37%, particularly 28%, of the width B1.

For example, the recess (21) may have a length between 2 cm and 6 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm, particularly 4 cm, along the longitudinal extent (L) of the body (10). The length of the recess (21) amounts, for example, to between 13% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 33%, particularly 27%, of the overall length of the body (10).

The body preferably has a maximum thickness between 0.1 mm and, 1 mm, particularly between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, especially 0.4 mm. The thickness of the body preferably is constant at any point of the body. The thickness of the body may alternatively be chosen differently at different points in order to reinforce particularly stressed regions without having to increase the thickness of the entire body.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the holding device (100) comprising the body (10), wherein the body (10) has two end regions (18 a, 18 c) and a central region (18 b). In this case, the width (B2) of the body (10) in the central region (18 b) is smaller, particularly about 50% smaller, than the width (B1) of the end regions (18 a, 18 c). Rectangular recesses in the form of through-openings (22) are provided in the end regions (18 a, 18 c) of the body (10). The recesses may also have shapes other than the rectangular shape shown, e.g. a circular or oval shape.

The lower edge region (19) of the body (10) respectively has a sole tab element (23) in the two end regions (18 a, 18 c). This sole tab element advantageously serves for preventing or at least reducing slipping of the body (10) underneath the sole of the foot. The sole tab element (23) may be a section of the body (10) that is bent over in such a way that it is arranged parallel to the shoe sole in the worn state of the holding device (100). A body-side fastening element (17 a), e.g. a hook band for producing a Velcro connection with a sock-side loop band, is respectively arranged in the end regions (18 a, 18 c) in the region of the upper edge (20) of the body (10).

FIG. 5 furthermore shows the body (10) in the flat state, i.e. in the unbent state, wherein the sole tab elements (23) are likewise not bent over. The central region (18 b) not only has a first recess (21) in the upper edge region (19 a), but also a second recess (21 a) in the lower edge region (19) of the body (10), wherein the depth of this second recess is reduced in comparison with the first recess (21).

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the holding device (100) according to FIG. 5 in the worn state in the shoe. The body (10) of the holding device (100) is nestled around the heel of the wearer. The two end regions (18 a, 18 c) of the body (10) are respectively arranged laterally on the foot of the wearer. In this case, the sock (15) essentially is fastened on the holding device (100) solely by means of the two fastening elements (17 b) arranged in the end regions (18 a, 18 c) of the body (10).

FIGS. 7a shows another embodiment of the holding device (100), as well as an insole (25), against which the body is nestled. The holding device (100) comprises the body (10), wherein the body (10) has two end regions (18 a, 18 c) and a central region (18 b). In this case, the width (B2) of the body (10) in the central region (18 b) is smaller, particularly about 25% smaller, than the width (B1) of the end regions (18 a, 18 c). Five circular recesses in the form of through-openings (22) are respectively provided in the end regions (18 a, 18 c) of the body (10). The recesses may also have shapes other than the circular shape shown, e.g. an oval or rectangular shape.

The lower edge region (19) of the body (10) respectively has a sole tab element (23) and a slot (24 a, 24 b) in the two end regions (18 a, 18 c). The slot (24 a, 24 b) serves for positioning the body (10) partially in front of the insole and partially behind the insole. In this way, the body is reliably supported on the insole (25) and slipping down of the body is respectively prevented or reduced. A body-side fastening element (17 a), e.g. a hook band for producing a Velcro connection with a sock-side loop band, is respectively arranged in the end regions (18 a, 18 c) in the region of the upper edge (20) of the body (10).

FIG. 7b furthermore shows the body (10) in the flat state, i.e. in the unbent state, wherein the sole tab elements (23) are likewise not bent over. The slots (24 a, 24 b) are arranged adjacent to the sole tab elements (23). The central region (18 b) not only has a first recess (21) in the upper edge region (19 a), but also a second recess (21 a) in the lower edge region (19) of the body (10), wherein the depth of this second recess is reduced in comparison with the first recess (21). 

1. A holding device for socks, comprising a flexible, particularly elastic, and essentially strip-shaped body, which can be inserted into the heel region of a shoe in such a way that the body rests against the heel of a foot located in the shoe at least in a lateral region of the foot and is supported on an inner sole and/or insole of the shoe, wherein the sock of the shoe wearer can be separably connected or is permanently connected to the body, particularly in an upper edge region of the body, or that the body is integrated into the sock in such a way that slipping of the sock off the heel of the foot within the shoe is restricted, wherein the body is in the worn state arranged entirely within the shoe.
 2. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body can be separably connected to the sock by means of a fastening device.
 3. The holding device according to claim 2, wherein the fastening device comprises at least one body-side fastening element that is arranged on the body, and in that the fastening device comprises at least one sock-side fastening element that is arranged on the sock, wherein the at least one body-side fastening element can be fixed on the at least one sock-side fastening element.
 4. The holding device according to claim 3, wherein the fastening device comprises a Velcro connection or is realized in the form of a Velcro connection, wherein the at least one body-side fastening element comprises at least one first Velcro element, and wherein the at least one sock-side fastening element comprises a second Velcro element that can be fixed on the first Velcro element.
 5. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the sock can be fixed on the body by folding the upper sock edge over an edge of the body that faces away from the inner sole of the shoe.
 6. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body has a recess, which is arranged in the center of the body referred to a longitudinal extent (L) of the body.
 7. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises or consists of a plastic material, particularly a PP or PE or PET material, and/or a biodegradable material, particularly a bamboo, palm leaf, sugar cane, maize or PLA material.
 8. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body has at least one recess, preferably two recesses, wherein one respective recess is arranged on one of the respective end regions of the body.
 9. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the holding device respectively has a slot on a first and on a second end region, wherein said slot extends perpendicular to the lower edge of the body and is open toward the bottom in the worn state of the holding device.
 10. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body is realized in such a way that the coefficient of friction of the body in the worn state between body and sock at least corresponds to the coefficient of friction of the pairing sock-shoe and/or skin-shoe, wherein the coefficient of friction of the body in the worn state between body and sock preferably is increased by 30%, particularly by 70%, especially by 100%, in comparison with the coefficient of friction of the pairing sock-shoe and/or skin-shoe.
 11. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein part of or the entire surface of the body undergoes a friction-enhancing surface treatment, particularly a roughening process, and/or has a friction-enhancing structure, particularly fine barbs, and/or wherein part of or the entire surface of the body has a friction-enhancing coating, particularly a coat of lacquer or a rubber coating, and/or wherein the body consists partially or entirely of a friction-enhancing material, particularly leather and/or cork and/or textile.
 12. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body is at least sectionally or entirely made of a material that is permeable to air and/or moisture and/or a moisture-regulating material.
 13. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the holding device has a sole element, which is connected to the body.
 14. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the holding device has a tab, which is connected to the body on the upper edge or in the region of the upper edge of the body.
 15. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises or consists of a printable material.
 16. A sock, wherein the sock is designed for being separably fastened on a holding device according to claim 1, wherein the sock comprises the at least one second fastening element, or in that the sock is permanently connected to a holding device according to one of the preceding claims.
 17. The sock according to claim 16, wherein the sock is connected to the holding device by means of a seam or a bonded joint or by means of an integration of the holding device into the sock fabric. 